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Old 19-11-2007, 01:55 PM
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kljucd1 (Daniel)
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Toucam

Hi,

I am asking this mainly out of interest at the moment, but, if I wanted to put together a toucam setup for astrophotgraphy then, what is the list of equipment I am going to need to actually get it up and running?

By "a list of equipment" I mean what modifications will also need to be made to the toucam.

Let me know

Thanks

Daniel...
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Old 19-11-2007, 05:08 PM
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For planets, none really. Just a 1.25" adapter (nosepiece) and a UV/IR cut filter, some capture software such as K3CCDTools...a laptop to capture onto and Registax to process the AVI video files you've captured.

For Deep Sky Objects (DSOs)...yes, you'll need a modded (long exposure) ToUcam.

You'll also need some kind of tracking platform or motorised mount.
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Old 19-11-2007, 10:26 PM
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kljucd1 (Daniel)
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Hi,

Thanks!!

So far I have the laptop and Registaxx and I am looking to buy a HEQ5 (see my want ad on IIS).

So my only remaining questions are, where do you get the nose piece, the Toucam (or this now just a generic term for webcams) and who does the modding (I certainly hope it doesn't have to be me - it probably wouldn't work out to well .)

Thanks again

Daniel...
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Old 19-11-2007, 10:29 PM
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The nose-piece adaptor can be found at Mogg Adaptors in Australia.

I reckon Steve Mogg makes the best ones. Even the Yanks buy from him.

ToUcam is a webcam made by Phillips. It has a lux rating of <1 which makes it sensitive for Astro work.

There are other brands as well, but the ToUcam seems to be the most popular and sensitive.

Telescopes and Astronomy in South Australia sells them already modded, or you can attempt to do the mod yourself (damn hard).
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Old 21-11-2007, 10:54 PM
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kljucd1 (Daniel)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ballaratdragons View Post

Telescopes and Astronomy in South Australia sells them already modded, or you can attempt to do the mod yourself (damn hard).
I sent them an email to ask about the toucam. Man that guy, Matthew Lovell, is a legend. Not only did it only take a couple of hours to respond but he also provided all the information/answers I could possibly have needed. Then he said that I could call him and he would explain it all over the phone, if I needed it. This is not the normal type of service I get, but oddly enough seems to be more common when dealing with people in astronomy.

I am going to get a HEQ5 next week, and then after that I am definately going back to Matthew to get the toucam.

Thanks for the links

Daniel...
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Old 01-12-2007, 02:31 AM
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I haven't fully explored the one I got modded recently but I overlooked something. At least one of the long exposure mod versions calls forthe use of a parallel port. Most Laptops don't have them anymore so I have had to track down an adapter. Hanven't tried it yet (this weekend maybe) but you should consider it.

Roger
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Old 01-12-2007, 08:48 PM
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kljucd1 (Daniel)
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Hi,

Cool, I will ask Matthew whether this is required with his modifications.

Thanks

Daniel...
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Old 02-12-2007, 06:08 AM
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I believe all long-exposure mods require the parallel port to control the ToUcam. You can get a USB->Parallel adapter, I think.

Perhaps you should consider a DMK/DBK - they can do up to 60min exposures and can be controlled straight through the USB port. They're not that much more expensive than a modded ToUcam.
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Old 02-12-2007, 10:12 AM
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kljucd1 (Daniel)
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Hi,

Thanks Mike, I think you may be right.

I looked up the DMK you have listed in your signature and found it on myastroshop the firewire version for $495 and bintel has the USB version for $539.

Well it looks like half the fun is going to be in choosing which one to get

Thanks again

Daniel...
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Old 02-12-2007, 10:45 AM
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It might also be worth looking at this thread which discusses the various DMK/DBK's etc.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=26254

Also might be worth checking out telescopes-astronomy who sell the D*K's for a bit cheaper.
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